Blog — Sights in Stilettos

Munich Christmas Markets

This blog post is for those clinging to Christmas, like me. Our Christmas tree is still up and will likely stay that way for another few weeks. But as I tuck away the stockings and other holiday paraphernalia, my thoughts wander back a few weeks to our quick jaunt to Germany to enjoy the Christmas markets in Munich. I am a massive fan of Christmas markets and have been to several European cities over the years in search of the very best. So far, I have done Vienna, Copenhagen, Sweden, Finland, and Budapest. However, Germany is unique because it is allegedly the birthplace of the Christmas market, dating back to 1434 in Dresden. These markets offer handicraft stalls, food, and glühwein (mulled wine), but my favorite feature is the atmosphere. From the simple white lights strung along the wooden stalls, laughter ringing through the air, and revelers bundled up in their winter attire – these markets look, smell, and feel like the holiday season. Our recent move to Egypt had me longing for some holiday cheer, and a direct Egypt Air flight from Cairo to Munich felt like the best remedy for the winter blues.

Blog, EuropeAlyssa AalmoJanuary 8, 2023Europe, Munich, Christmas

Cahernane House Hotel - Killarney, Ireland

Killarney has always held a special place in my heart. My first introduction to this Irish village was through the song “Christmas in Killarney.” My love for the ballad led to a Christmas trip in 2014 filled with music, laughter, and realizing Christmas is NOT the time to travel to Ireland. I had no idea five years later I would call Dublin home, and while COVID put a slight damper on my Ireland trips, the lifting of restrictions has every single weekend from now until August booked to see as my sights possible. My first weekend leaving Dublin county led me back to Killarney, and to one of the most spectacular hotel stays I’ve had in Ireland at Cahernane House Hotel.

Blog, EuropeAlyssa AalmoJune 20, 2021

Walk the Great South Wall - Dublin

Ireland’s “Lockdown 2.0” has me trading in my stilettos for sneakers and embracing the great outdoors, as indoor activities have ceased once again. Unless they included being cooped up in the house finding another series to binge on Netflix. The lack of indoor activities has led to several outdoor excursions that yours truly may not have participated in otherwise. A recent adventure took me and my sneakers out to the Great South Wall in Dublin.

Blog, EuropeAlyssa AalmoApril 10, 2021Ireland, Europe

Escape to the Blue Lagoon

Many of us are heading into nearly 60 days or more of quarantine, and while I am going a little stir crazy, I found that revisiting some old travel memories is helping ease the monotony. Let me transport you out of your living room and into the warm aqua tinted waters of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

Blog, EuropeAlyssa AalmoMay 16, 2020

Snow Covered Stopover

Since our relocation from Kabul to Dublin, the 24 to 48-hour trip is quickly becoming my travel go-to. Quick weekend jaunts are like a tapas restaurant. You can try bite-size portions without having to commit to a full meal. Last weekend, we were swept away by the beauty and wonder of Reykjavik, Iceland.

Blog, EuropeAlyssa AalmoFebruary 16, 2020

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is known as one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, and I can now fully back that statement. We were able to witness nature’s light show first-hand through Special Tours. The company offers a 2 - 3 hours ‘Northern Lights by Boat’ trip that departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and is very highly rated on TripAdvisor. They will also try to reschedule your trip should conditions not be suitable for proper Northern Lights hunting. 1000% recommend. *Please note there is no guarantee of seeing the Northern Lights.
If you are looking for a fancy night out, the Matarkjallarinn Food Cellar offers a low-lit romantic ambiance with delicious fresh fish options on the menu. Fancy something not so fancy? Just around the corner, the Saetasvinid Gastropub will have everything you need. For all of my cocktail lovers, order the Marie-Antoinette, the drink is as iconic as the former Queen herself.
The Blue Lagoon. A full blog post is forthcoming and will be linked here. Short advice, go.

Top Three, EuropeAlyssa AalmoFebruary 9, 2020Iceland, Reykjavik

Tranquil Tuscany

Some travelers want to spend hours on the beach. Others may find their solace on trails in the mountains. Or, perhaps the constant buzz of city life as you whiz from one place to the next. There is a famous quote, “vacation to find yourself.” If you need me, I’ll be in Tuscany.

Blog, EuropeAlyssa AalmoMay 1, 2019Europe, Italy

My First Three Star Michelin Experience

Fifteen minutes from the center of Copenhagen, nestled in the national soccer stadium (Telia Parken), is the nondescript entrance of Geranium, the only three Michelin star restaurant in Denmark and number 19 restaurant on “The Worlds Best 50”.

Europe, BlogAlyssa AalmoFebruary 17, 2019Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden

Put the Vasa Museum at the top of your list. The Vasa is warship built in 1628 that sank in the Stockholm harbor on her maiden voyage. After 333 years under the sea, Vasa was salvaged and is now on display. This museum boasts that it is the most visited museum in Scandinavia and it’s for a good reason.

Call me biased as this is a blog for travel photography, but The Museum of Photography or Fotografiska is fantastic! You can walk from Gamla Stan (the old city) to the museum in about 20 minutes, and there are signs all along the walk to guide you. In addition to incredible photography exhibits, there is also an award-winning restaurant on the top floor with beautiful views of Stockholm. *The restaurant was closed during our visit but we found the cafe on the top floor to be delicious, and offered the same stunning views.
You’ll need to rest your tired feet at some point and why not enjoy a craft cocktail at the same time? Pharmarium is in the heart of the old city and offers imaginative drinks and delectable treats. The menu changes seasonally, but if Croquette & Onion is on the list during your visit, do your taste buds a favor and order them! A reservation is highly encouraged as we saw many people turned away at the door.

Top Three, EuropeAlyssa AalmoJanuary 20, 2019Europe, Sweden

Copenhagen, Denmark

This was our second visit to Copenhagen so we will call this the “ 2018 winter edition” of the Top Three.

If you are a foodie looking for a transcendent gastronomic experience, book a table at Geranium. This is the only three-star Michelin restaurant in Denmark, and it does not disappoint. The experience will tantalize your taste buds but also lighten your wallet. Be prepared to pay around $1,000 if you do the wine pairing and full tasting menu.
For the ultimate Christmas experience, look no further than Tivoli Gardens. This amusement park opened in 1843 and is the second oldest in the world. In November, Tivoli is transformed into a winter wonderland with Christmas decorations and lights cover every square inch of the park as well as seasonally themed shops and restaurants. The best time to arrive is around 3:30 p.m. (dusk). You can purchase advanced tickets online to beat the crowds. The ticket only includes entry — you will have to buy alternative tickets inside the park to go on the rides.
If you are a lover of Christmas beer, make a stop at Taphouse. There are 61 beers on tap with a constantly rotating menu. Since we happened to be in the city during Christmas, there were 19 different types of Christmas beer! They serve sample sizes so that you can taste test your heart out.

Top Three, EuropeAlyssa AalmoDecember 22, 2018Europe, Denmark